The Newest CARES Act Funding Allocations That Can Help Fund Your K-12 Distance Learning Initiatives by State
The $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law in March 2020 and is the largest emergency stimulus package ever passed in the United States. Of the $2.2 trillion, $30.75 billion was set aside for schools in the following relief funds:
- Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSERF) = $13.2 billion
- Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) = $12.6 billion
- Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEERF) = $3 billion for governors to distribute at their discretion
According to an update from Congress from July, only 4% of the CARES Act funds that can be used for K-12 education has actually been spent. Many state education departments have allocated very little of their funding so far while other state funds have dried up.
Related Article: What the CARES Act Education Stabilization Fund Means for Schools
The Newest CARES Act Funding Allocations That Can Help Fund Your K-12 Distance Learning Initiatives by State
In recent weeks, many state departments have created new CARES Act programs and funds to allocate money to K-12 education so they can purchase the online learning tools and resources they need to be successful during distance learning.
We scoured each state’s department of education website to find the newest CARES Act funding updates for K-12 schools. While many state education departments haven’t provided any updated information since spring, several states have begun to allocate CARES Act funds through new K-12 distance learning programs and grants.
We will be updating this post as we learn more. However, for the most up-to-date information, visit your state’s department of education website.
Once you locate your state’s newest CARES Act funding information below, jump to the bottom of this article to learn more about how you can teach remotely with less stress and better tools.
Select Your State:
Alabama
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has allocated $100 million in CARES Act funding to increase access to the internet for K-12 students in the state. The new program is called Alabama Broadband Connectivity for Students and will provide vouchers for families of students who currently are eligible for free and reduced-price school means or they meet other income criteria.
Alabama was allocated $210.4 million in ESSERFs.
Alaska
Our team could not find any new programs, grants, or allocations that would help schools in Alaska purchase K-12 distance learning tools and resources. Visit the Alaska Department of Education website for the latest information for your state.
Alaska was allocated $49.5 million in ESSERFs.
Arizona
Our team could not find any new programs, grants, or allocations that would help schools in Arizona purchase K-12 distance learning tools and resources. Visit the Arizona Department of Education website for the latest information for your state.
Arizona was allocated $305 million in ESSERFs.
Arkansas
Our team could not find any new programs, grants, or allocations that would help schools in Arkansas purchase K-12 distance learning tools and resources. Visit the Arkansas Department of Education website for the latest information for your state.
Arkansas was allocated $136.1 million in ESSERFs.
California
California is allocating more than $5 billion of its CARES Act Coronavirus Fund (CF), ESSERF, and GEERF to create a new fund called The Learning Loss Mitigation Funding (LLMF). The deadline to apply by Aug. 5, 2020, for inclusion in the first apportionment. Funds in this first apportionment must be used in full compliance by Sep. 30, 2020.
LLMF should be used on resources that will help mitigate student learning loss due to COVID-19 school closures including
- Addressing learning loss or accelerating progress to close learning gaps through the implementation, expansion, or enhancement of learning supports that begin before the start of the school year and the continuation of intensive instruction and support into the school year.
- Extending the instructional school year by making adjustments to the academic calendar, increasing the number of instructional minutes provided during each week or school day, or taking any other action that increases the amount of instructional time or services provided to pupils based on their learning needs.
- Providing additional academic services for pupils, such as diagnostic assessments of pupil learning needs, intensive instruction for addressing gaps in core academic skills, additional instructional materials or supports, or devices or connectivity for the provision of in-classroom and distance learning.
- Providing integrated pupil supports to address other barriers to learning, such as the provision of health, counseling, or mental health services, professional development opportunities to help teachers and parents support pupils in distance-learning contexts, access to school breakfast and lunch programs, or programs to address pupil trauma and social-emotional learning.
California was allocated $1,741.2 billion in ESSERFs.
Colorado
In May, Governor Polis signed an Executive Order that transferred $510 million from the State of Colorado’s CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund to the Colorado Department of Education in addition to the $132 million in ESSERFs.
Here are the allowable expenses under the Executive Order outlined in Addendum A:
- Academic intervention programs including subscriptions and supplies
- Increasing instructional time
- Summer school personnel, supplies, and other costs
- After school tutoring personnel, supplies, and other costs
- Increase instructional time to recover lost learning
- Specific support for Homeless students
- Specific support for students with individual education plans (IEPs)
- Specific support for students who are English Learners
- Student and staff devices
- Mobile hotspots, internet access, bandwidth expansion, and network infrastructure
- Staff salary including bonuses, hazard pay, benefits, sick leave, overtime, etc.
Check your district’s allocations here.
Colorado was allocated $132 million in ESSERFs.
Connecticut
Gov. of Connecticut Ned Lamont announced the state will be allocating an additional $160 million in funding so school districts can reopen and help pay for costs associated with responding to COVID-19 safely. Here are the purchases that are allowable with this fund:
- Laptops, at-home internet connections (already announced but included)
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), masks, cleaning supplies
- Bus monitors to assist students and ensure social distancing; funding for additional routes in high-density areas
- Additional staff to support new models of remote learning and social distant classrooms
- Support staff and services for students with special learning and language needs
Connecticut was allocated $104.4 million in ESSERFs.
Delaware
Our team could not find any new programs, grants, or allocations that would help schools in Delaware purchase K-12 distance learning tools and resources. Visit the Delaware Department of Education website for the latest information for your state.
Delaware was allocated $43 million in ESSERFs.
Florida
To mitigate achievement gaps for K-12 students, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is allotting $10.9 million from the GEERF to help fund K-12 CTE programs in the state. Here is what the fund will help cover:
- Infrastructure and equipment grants for K-12 schools or technical colleges that could support in-demand CTE programs of study for K-12 students.
- Funding awards based on the base allocation of $55K per district and then $10K more per K-12 school or technical college who serves K-12 district CTE students with select CTE programs.
- This dollar amount is needed to make a meaningful impact for LEAs and their corresponding technical colleges.
- CTE programs are costly to run and districts often require additional resources to purchase industry-standard technology and equipment.
Florida was allocated $724 million in ESSERFs.
Georgia
Georgia is one of eleven states to receive federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education called the Rethink K-12 Education Models (REM) grant. That state was awarded $18.5 million to help expand virtual and personalized learning for its students. This grant is in addition to the initial CARES Act ESSERF the state was allotted in March. The REM grant can be used to purchase the following expenses:
- Microgrants, so that states can ensure families have access to the technology and services to advance learning remotely (absolute priority 1);
- Statewide virtual learning and course access programs, so that students can access a full range of subjects, even those not taught in their assigned setting (absolute priority 2); or
- New, field-initiated models for providing remote education to ensure that every child is learning and preparing for successful careers and lives (absolute priority 3).
Georgia was allocated $448.3 million in ESSERFs.
Hawaii
Our team could not find any new programs, grants, or allocations that would help schools in Hawaii purchase K-12 distance learning tools and resources. Visit the Hawaii State Department of Education website for the latest information for your state.
Hawaii was allocated $43.1 million in ESSERFs.
Idaho
Our team could not find any new programs, grants, or allocations that would help schools in Idaho purchase K-12 distance learning tools and resources. Visit the Idaho State Department of Education website for the latest information for your state.
Idaho was allocated $52.9 million in ESSERFs.
Illinois
Our team could not find any new programs, grants, or allocations that would help schools in Illinois purchase K-12 distance learning tools and resources. Visit the Illinois State Board of Education website for the latest information for your state.
Illinois was allocated $563.7 million in ESSERFs.
Indiana
Our team could not find any new programs, grants, or allocations that would help schools in Indiana purchase K-12 distance learning tools and resources. Visit the Indiana Department of Education website for the latest information for your state.
Indiana was allocated $226.1 million in ESSERFs.
Iowa
Iowa is one of eleven states to receive federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education called the Rethink K-12 Education Models (REM) grant. That state was awarded $17.7 million to help expand virtual and personalized learning for its students. This grant is in addition to the initial CARES Act ESSERF the state was allotted in March. The REM grant can be used to purchase the following expenses:
- Microgrants, so that states can ensure families have access to the technology and services to advance learning remotely (absolute priority 1);
- Statewide virtual learning and course access programs, so that students can access a full range of subjects, even those not taught in their assigned setting (absolute priority 2); or
- New, field-initiated models for providing remote education to ensure that every child is learning and preparing for successful careers and lives (absolute priority 3).
Iowa was allocated $82.5 million in ESSERFs.
Kansas
Our team couldn’t find any new programs, grants, or allocations that would help schools in Kansas purchase K-12 distance learning tools and resources. Visit the Kansas State Department of Education website for the latest information for your state.
Kansas was allocated $89.5 million in ESSERFs.
Kentucky
Our team couldn’t find any new programs, grants, or allocations that would help schools in Kentucky purchase K-12 distance learning tools and resources. Visit the Kentucky Department of Education website for the latest information for your state.
Kentucky was allocated $203 million in ESSERFs.
Louisiana
Louisiana is one of eleven states to receive federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education called the Rethink K-12 Education Models (REM) grant. That state was awarded $17 million to help expand virtual and personalized learning for its students. This grant is in addition to the initial CARES Act ESSERF the state was allotted in March. The REM grant can be used to purchase the following expenses:
- Microgrants, so that states can ensure families have access to the technology and services to advance learning remotely (absolute priority 1);
- Statewide virtual learning and course access programs, so that students can access a full range of subjects, even those not taught in their assigned setting (absolute priority 2); or
- New, field-initiated models for providing remote education to ensure that every child is learning and preparing for successful careers and lives (absolute priority 3).
Louisiana was allocated $283.6 million in ESSERFs.
Maine
Maine is one of eleven states to receive federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education called the Rethink K-12 Education Models (REM) grant. That state was awarded $16.9 million to help expand virtual and personalized learning for its students. This grant is in addition to the initial CARES Act ESSERF the state was allotted in March. The REM grant can be used to purchase the following expenses:
- Microgrants, so that states can ensure families have access to the technology and services to advance learning remotely (absolute priority 1);
- Statewide virtual learning and course access programs, so that students can access a full range of subjects, even those not taught in their assigned setting (absolute priority 2); or
- New, field-initiated models for providing remote education to ensure that every child is learning and preparing for successful careers and lives (absolute priority 3).
Maine was allocated $46.4 million in ESSERFs.
Maryland
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has set aside some of his state’s GEER Funds to create the Innovative Approaches to Connecting with Students Competitive Grant. The grant will be awarded to applicants who outline a program with a unique or innovative approach to engaging students, teachers, and school communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Local school systems, public schools, nonpublic schools, and public and private universities are eligible to apply.
Maryland was allocated $199.2 million in ESSERFs.
Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Department of Education has a Coronavirus Relief Fund (CvRF) School Reopening Grant Program for eligible school districts and charter schools that need funding to support costs to reopen schools. All school districts and charter schools in the state are eligible except for the following:
- Boston Public Schools
- Municipal school districts in Plymouth County
- Students from Plymouth County communities attending regional school districts
Boston and Plymouth County are administering CvRF funds separately.
Schools will be allowed to use the CvRF Reopening Grant Program on the following expenses:
- Staff
- Student services (e.g., WiFi, software that will facilitate remote learning, mental health services, and much more)
- Vendor services (e.g., food service, transportation)
- Building services/temporary facilities (e.g., PPE, partitions, space rentals)
- Central costs (i.e., logistical costs)
- Other innovative efforts to support the safe reopening of schools
Massachusetts was allocated $199.2 million in ESSERFs.
Michigan
The Michigan Department of Education announced that school districts in that state can compete for additional federal funding through their Education Equity Fund. The fund was put in place to help address technology and/or mental health needs for teachers, staff, and students.
Districts can apply for an amount up to 20% percent of their ESSERF formula allocation to purchase:
- Educational technology (including hardware, software, and connectivity)
- Mental health services and supports
Michigan was allocated $410.5 million in ESSERFs.
Minnesota
Our team couldn’t find any new programs, grants, or allocations that would help schools in Minnesota purchase K-12 distance learning tools and resources. Visit the Minnesota Department of Education website for the latest information for your state.
Minnesota was allocated $142.3 million in ESSERFs.
Mississippi
The Mississippi Department of Education announced its Equity in Distance Learning Act which will provide $150 million to school districts in the state to help them pay for the following costs:
- Laptop computers, tablets, or other devices that can be used by a student or teacher in their home.
- Learning management systems (LMS), software, and other online tools
- Costs to enhance internet connectivity
- Costs to enhance security for devices or connectivity to comply with state and federal laws
- Professional development for teachers and students to implement distance learning
- Health and safety materials for schools
Applications must be submitted by Sept 1, 2020.
Mississippi was allocated $174.4 million in ESSERFs.
Missouri
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has created the Missouri Student Connectivity Grant to help school districts gain more access to
- Digital learning resources by expanding school Wi-Fi networks and
- WiFi-enabled devices for students.
There is a total of $30 million in the fund. Learn about the different applications here.
Missouri was allocated $203.7 million in ESSERFs.
Montana
Our team couldn’t find any new programs, grants, or allocations that would help schools in Montana purchase K-12 distance learning tools and resources. Visit the Montana Office of Public Instruction website for the latest information for your state.
Montana was allocated $41.7 million in ESSERFs.
Nebraska
Our team couldn’t find any new programs, grants, or allocations that would help schools in Nebraska purchase K-12 distance learning tools and resources. Visit the Nebraska Department of Education website for the latest information for your state.
Nebraska was allocated $66.9 million in ESSERFs.
Nevada
Our team couldn’t find any new programs, grants, or allocations that would help schools in Nevada purchase K-12 distance learning tools and resources. Visit the Nevada Department of Education website for the latest information for your state.
Nevada was allocated $108.1 million in ESSERFs.
New Hampshire
Our team couldn’t find any new programs, grants, or allocations that would help schools in New Hampshire purchase K-12 distance learning tools and resources. Visit the New Hampshire Department of Education website for the latest information for your state.
New Hampshire was allocated $33.7 million in ESSERFs.
New Jersey
Our team couldn’t find any new programs, grants, or allocations that would help schools in New Jersey purchase K-12 distance learning tools and resources. Visit the New Jersey Department of Education website for the latest information for your state.
New Jersey was allocated $303.2 million in ESSERFs.
New Mexico
Our team couldn’t find any new programs, grants, or allocations that would help schools in New Mexico purchase K-12 distance learning tools and resources. Visit The State of New Mexico website for the latest information for your state.
New Mexico was allocated $107.7 million in ESSERFs.
New York
New York is one of eleven states to receive federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education called the Rethink K-12 Education Models (REM) grant. That state was awarded $19.9 million to help expand virtual and personalized learning for its students. This grant is in addition to the initial CARES Act ESSERF the state was allotted in March. The REM grant can be used to purchase the following expenses:
- Microgrants, so that states can ensure families have access to the technology and services to advance learning remotely (absolute priority 1);
- Statewide virtual learning and course access programs, so that students can access a full range of subjects, even those not taught in their assigned setting (absolute priority 2); or
- New, field-initiated models for providing remote education to ensure that every child is learning and preparing for successful careers and lives (absolute priority 3).
New York was allocated $1.01 billion in ESSERFs.
North Carolina
North Carolina is one of eleven states to receive federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education called the Rethink K-12 Education Models (REM) grant. That state was awarded $17.6 million to help expand virtual and personalized learning for its students. This grant is in addition to the initial CARES Act ESSERF the state was allotted in March. The REM grant can be used to purchase the following expenses:
- Microgrants, so that states can ensure families have access to the technology and services to advance learning remotely (absolute priority 1);
- Statewide virtual learning and course access programs, so that students can access a full range of subjects, even those not taught in their assigned setting (absolute priority 2); or
- New, field-initiated models for providing remote education to ensure that every child is learning and preparing for successful careers and lives (absolute priority 3).
North Carolina was allocated $378.4 million in ESSERFs.
North Dakota
Our team couldn’t find any new programs, grants, or allocations that would help schools in North Dakota purchase K-12 distance learning tools and resources. Visit the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction website for the latest information for your state.
North Dakota was allocated $32.4 million in ESSERFs.
Ohio
Our team couldn’t find any new programs, grants, or allocations that would help schools in Ohio purchase K-12 distance learning tools and resources. Visit the Ohio Department of Education website for the latest information for your state.
Ohio was allocated $462.8 million in ESSERFs.
Oklahoma
Our team couldn’t find any new programs, grants, or allocations that would help schools in Oklahoma purchase K-12 distance learning tools and resources. Visit the Oklahoma State Department of Education website for the latest information for your state.
Oklahoma was allocated $156.9 million in ESSERFs.
Oregon
Our team couldn’t find any new programs, grants, or allocations that would help schools in Oregon purchase K-12 distance learning tools and resources. Visit the Oregon Department of Education website for the latest information for your state.
Oregon was allocated $140.8 million in ESSERFs.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced his plan to allocate $10.5 million to Career and Technical Education Centers using the state’s GEER Funds. The funding will support the following expenses that will be incurred to mitigated COVID-19 impacts:
- Summer programming
- Expanded programming
- Industry credential assessments for students
For the list of career centers and institutes, technical schools, and high schools. View the list of grant recipients.
Pennsylvania was allocated $441.4 million in ESSERFs.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island is one of eleven states to receive federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education called the Rethink K-12 Education Models (REM) grant. That state was awarded $10.9 million to help expand virtual and personalized learning for its students. This grant is in addition to the initial CARES Act ESSERF the state was allotted in March. The REM grant can be used to purchase the following expenses:
- Microgrants, so that states can ensure families have access to the technology and services to advance learning remotely (absolute priority 1);
- Statewide virtual learning and course access programs, so that students can access a full range of subjects, even those not taught in their assigned setting (absolute priority 2); or
- New, field-initiated models for providing remote education to ensure that every child is learning and preparing for successful careers and lives (absolute priority 3).
Rhode Island was allocated $44 million in ESSERFs.
South Carolina
South Carolina is one of eleven states to receive federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education called the Rethink K-12 Education Models (REM) grant. That state was awarded $15 million to help expand virtual and personalized learning for its students. This grant is in addition to the initial CARES Act ESSERF the state was allotted in March. The REM grant can be used to purchase the following expenses:
- Microgrants, so that states can ensure families have access to the technology and services to advance learning remotely (absolute priority 1);
- Statewide virtual learning and course access programs, so that students can access a full range of subjects, even those not taught in their assigned setting (absolute priority 2); or
- New, field-initiated models for providing remote education to ensure that every child is learning and preparing for successful careers and lives (absolute priority 3).
South Carolina was allocated $204 million in ESSERFs.
South Dakota
South Dakota is one of eleven states to receive federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education called the Rethink K-12 Education Models (REM) grant. That state was awarded $6.9 million to help expand virtual and personalized learning for its students. This grant is in addition to the initial CARES Act ESSERF the state was allotted in March. The REM grant can be used to purchase the following expenses:
- Microgrants, so that states can ensure families have access to the technology and services to advance learning remotely (absolute priority 1);
- Statewide virtual learning and course access programs, so that students can access a full range of subjects, even those not taught in their assigned setting (absolute priority 2); or
- New, field-initiated models for providing remote education to ensure that every child is learning and preparing for successful careers and lives (absolute priority 3).
South Dakota was allocated $40.8 million in ESSERFs.
Tennessee
Tennessee is one of eleven states to receive federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education called the Rethink K-12 Education Models (REM) grant. That state was awarded $20 million to help expand virtual and personalized learning for its students. This grant is in addition to the initial CARES Act ESSERF the state was allotted in March. The REM grant can be used to purchase the following expenses:
- Microgrants, so that states can ensure families have access to the technology and services to advance learning remotely (absolute priority 1);
- Statewide virtual learning and course access programs, so that students can access a full range of subjects, even those not taught in their assigned setting (absolute priority 2); or
- New, field-initiated models for providing remote education to ensure that every child is learning and preparing for successful careers and lives (absolute priority 3).
Tennessee was allocated $257.5 million in ESSERFs.
Texas
Texas is one of eleven states to receive federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education called the Rethink K-12 Education Models (REM) grant. That state was awarded $19.9 million to help expand virtual and personalized learning for its students. This grant is in addition to the initial CARES Act ESSERF the state was allotted in March. The REM grant can be used to purchase the following expenses:
- Microgrants, so that states can ensure families have access to the technology and services to advance learning remotely (absolute priority 1);
- Statewide virtual learning and course access programs, so that students can access a full range of subjects, even those not taught in their assigned setting (absolute priority 2); or
- New, field-initiated models for providing remote education to ensure that every child is learning and preparing for successful careers and lives (absolute priority 3).
Texas was allocated $1.29 billion in ESSERFs.
Utah
Our team couldn’t find any new programs, grants, or allocations that would help schools in Utah purchase K-12 distance learning tools and resources. Visit the Utah State Board of Education website for the latest information for your state.
Utah was allocated $69.3 million in ESSERFs.
Vermont
Our team couldn’t find any new programs, grants, or allocations that would help schools in Vermont purchase K-12 distance learning tools and resources. Visit the Vermont Agency of Education website for the latest information for your state.
Vermont was allocated $30.8 million in ESSERFs.
Virginia
Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane announced that the state awarded K-12 School Innovation Grants to the following thirteen counties: Montgomery County, Franklin County, Richmond County, York County, Middlesex County, Buchanan County, Fauquier County, Franklin County, Goochland County, Charles City County, Halifax County, Henrico County, and Mecklenburg County.
The grants are intended to help schools develop or implement innovative programs that promote Virginia’s 5 Cs — critical thinking, creative thinking, collaboration, communication, and citizenship — and prepare students for careers and postsecondary education.
Note: This grant is not being funded by CARES Act funding streams.
Virginia was allocated $222.1 million in ESSERFs.
Washington
The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction spent $8.8 million — more than a third of its CARES Act funding — to purchase internet for more than 60,000 students.
Broadening internet access to Washington students will help ensure they’re able to use online learning platforms during distance learning.
Washington was allocated $213.6 million in ESSERFs.
West Virginia
Our team couldn’t find any new programs, grants, or allocations that would help schools in West Virginia purchase K-12 distance learning tools and resources. Visit the West Virginia Department of Education website for the latest information for your state.
West Virginia was allocated $30.8 million in ESSERFs.
Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction was recently allocated $16 million under the CARES Act ESSERF. The department plans to use its funds on the following allowable expenses:
- Build capacity for and expand access to high-quality online instructional resources (e.g., digital learning courses, hardware, software, and broadband discounts).
- Provide training for educators in the provision of online and remote instruction.
- Expand and build the capacity of school staff to provide mental health services to better support students.
Wisconsin was allocated $172.8 million in ESSERFs.
Wyoming
The Wyoming Business Council Board of Directors approved $86 million in CARES Act funding to expand internet access throughout the state. Expanding broadband infrastructure will residents help students in 15 counties get access to the internet they need to access online learning platforms during distance learning.
Wyoming was allocated $30.4 million in ESSERFs.
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